Fresno Police Say Bank Robber is Getting More Dangerous

Fresno Police believe the same man robbed the United Security Bank in Northwest Fresno two times within 72 hours. Jim Templeton, a bank executive at Murphy Bank in Fresno said, "Basically two consecutive banking days, that's very unusual, very unusual.""Both were violent, both involved firearms and threatening bank employees," said Sgt. Dave Ramos. Last Friday afternoon the heavily tattooed man walked into the United Security Bank on West Shaw with a gun and shaky nerves. Then, police say Monday afternoon, he came back again. However, this time with a lot more anger and confidence.

Sgt. Ramos said, "When he came in, he acted more like a take-over style bank robbery. He was controlling directing people where to go, what he wanted, he was cursing."

An F.B.I. agent told Action News bank robberies in the Valley have spiked in the last month or so. Investigators and bankers can only speculate that the weak economy is driving people to do things they wouldn't normally do. Templeton said, "People are desperate, they're losing their jobs and business and every segment being down."

Bank employees describe the repeat robber to be between 5 feet 7 and five feet 9 inches tall with a thin build. Tattoos cover both arms, and there's body art on the front and back of both legs.

But who is he? Sgt. Dave Ramos hopes someone will recognize him before anyone gets hurt. "Our concern is that his violence may continue and escalate and we want to get him in custody before that happens."